What will make my application stand out? 

• Successful applicants are typically students who show initiative beyond the classroom, in instances such as through past internships, independent projects, or leadership in innovation-related activities.
• Use your application to showcase how you’ve explored opportunities, tackled challenges, or built something meaningful. 
• Shortlisting is followed by matching and interviews with potential host companies. Placement is not guaranteed but determined by double buy-in on the parts of the student and the employer.   

What kind of companies/ internships does GII support? 

GII partners with startups, incubators, accelerators, innovation labs, venture capital firms, and emerging deep tech companies across the globe. These companies operate at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact — providing exposure to real-world startup challenges and growth opportunities. 

What non-financial help/ support is there for me when I'm overseas? 

SMU has a structured and multi-pronged support system to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
By sphere of proximity,:

• Your first line of support will be your GII peers in the same or nearby cities.
• Your second line of support is your host company, which provides workplace guidance and emergency contact points.
• Your third line of support is your in-country mentor, who can offer advice and connect you to local resources.
• You also have access to the Singapore consulate or embassy in your host country.

​​​​​​​Note:  Please stay connected to your respective programme manager throughout. This is an important channel. 

How much must I pay to participate in GII? 

• There is no application or programme fee for GII. If you are successfully placed, you will need to cover expenses including but not limited to visa fees, medical checks, travel, and living costs. 
• Financial assistance schemes such as grants, scholarships, and company-provided internship stipends could apply to you, where eligible and applicable.  
• Throughout the course of the programme, the immersive experience and exposure GII provides often outweigh the financial costs. We urge students to plan and assess affordability carefully. 

I'm not sure if I want to be an entrepreneur. Is GII right for me? 

Don't see why not!  
GII is not limited to aspiring and existing founders. It is designed also for students who are curious about how startups work, innovation and emerging industries.  
If solutioning, being at the forefront of innovative tech, thriving in a high degree of uncertainty and creating impact call out to you, give yourself a chance and give it a go!  

Will I be placed in my top-choice city? 

Indicating your top-choice city is helpful for the team as we take this into consideration during the matching process.
​​​​​​​However, do note that eventual placements are based on double buy-in and factors such as internship availability, company fit, and hiring timelines. Some opportunities may not be offered in your preferred location. 

What intern roles have been offered and filled by GII partners in years past?

Some of the more common roles in recent years are: Business Operations, Business Development, Data Analytics, Investment Analyst, Marketing (digital, content, growth), Sales, Software Engineer, UX/UI Research/Design, Project Management, Research Analyst.
If you are curious about the kinds of roles GII interns had been most interested in, feel free to reach out for further conversation with us at  iie-gii@smu.edu.sg.

Do your intern pool possess past work experiences? 

When we run pre-selections to curate our pool of entrepreneurial-minded talents, past work experiences serve as one of a few indicators. Afterall, working in alignment and in collaboration with industry is a hallmark of SMU’s pedagogy.   

In this context, their past experiences in projects and internships in professional environments and/or delivery of quality results are taken into consideration. More information will be shared with our partners. 

How much do we have to pay an intern?

We request that our employers pay our student interns the local market rate for internship allowances.
If you’d like to further dialogue on this, feel free to contact the team at iie-gii@smu.edu.sg. 

If I encounter issues with my intern, what should I do? 

If any concerns arise during the internship, please inform the GII Programme Team as early as possible.
We will work closely with both you and the student to understand the situation and find a constructive solution. 
Our approach prioritises open communication and mutual understanding to ensure that the internship remains a positive and productive experience for your organisation and the student alike. 

Can I extend the internship beyond 12 weeks? 

​​​​​​​The standard GII internship duration is 12 weeks, aligned with SMU’s summer academic calendar. 
If both you and the student are open to an extension, you may discuss it directly and arrange a continuation of the internship independently. 
Many partners choose to re-engage their interns for follow-up projects, off-cycle placements, or post-graduation roles. 
For longer-term or structured collaborations beyond the 12-week period, please contact the GII Programme Team at iie-gii@smu.edu.sg. 

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